Food History of Biosfera, Genoa, Italy
The Biosfera in Genoa, also known as "The Bubble," is an iconic glass sphere located by the sea in the Porto Antico area, close to the famous Aquarium. While the Biosfera itself is a botanical garden and not a culinary spot, the city of Genoa boasts a rich food history deeply entwined with its maritime traditions and the exchange of cultures and ingredients that this implies. Genoa is the birthplace of the renowned pesto, a sauce made of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The city's historical republic status and its port have made it a melting pot where food customs and dishes are influenced by the Ligurian hinterland, the Mediterranean basin, and beyond.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Genoa for Tourists
- Pesto alla Genovese - This world-famous basil sauce is typically served with pasta such as trofie or trenette. (Veg)
- Focaccia Genovese - A type of flatbread topped with olive oil and salt, often enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast. (Veg)
- Farinata - A savory pancake made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt, it's a popular street food. (Veg)
- Caponata - An assortment of vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and others, seasoned with vinegar and capers. (Veg)
- Panissa - Similar to farinata, but thicker and often cut into strips and fried. (Veg)
- Minestrone alla Genovese - A vegetable soup that sometimes includes pesto for an extra Ligurian touch. (Veg)
- Focaccia di Recco - A thin-layered focaccia filled with creamy stracchino cheese. (Veg)
- Pansoti con Salsa di Noci - A stuffed pasta, often with a spinach and ricotta filling, served with a walnut sauce. (Veg)
- Torta Pasqualina - A savory pie typically prepared during Easter, filled with greens, cheese, and eggs. (Veg)
- Latte Dolce Fritto - A dessert made of sweetened milk thickened with flour and lemon zest, then fried. (Veg)
Top Famous Restaurants in Genoa
- Ristorante Il Genovese
- Address: Via Galata, 35r, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
- Famous for: Pesto alla Genovese - (Veg)
- Antica Osteria di Vico Palla
- Address: Vico Palla, 15r, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
- Famous for: Traditional Ligurian dishes with various veg options.
- Focacceria Genovese
- Address: Via San Vincenzo, 15r, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
- Famous for: Focaccia Genovese and Focaccia di Recco - (Veg)
- Panificio Mario
- Address: Via S. Vincenzo, 76R, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
- Famous for: A rich variety of classic Genoese focaccia - (Veg)
- Soul Kitchen
- Address: Via San Sebastiano, 16, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
- Famous for: Modern takes on Ligurian cuisine, including creative vegetarian dishes.
When visiting Genoa, it's easy to indulge in the city's rich culinary tradition, which offers delightful experiences for vegetarians and seafood lovers alike. Though the Biosfera doesn't directly offer food, it's a hub surrounded by Genoa's vibrant gastronomy scene.